Enduring Hardship Through Christian Unity

Encouragement From Christ

Paul told the Philippians that he suffered while with them and now they were called into the same suffering for Christ. Chapter 2 Paul instructs them how to deal with the suffering they were called into. The first thing is Encouragement from Christ. Anytime Christ calls us into suffering He never calls us into it alone.

Christ will walk with us in our suffering. He gives us the wisdom to navigate the difficult path of suffering. He gives us the endurance to sustain the difficulty. He uses the difficulty to make us more Christlike. He accomplishes His will through our suffering.

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, invite Christ into your suffering.

Consolation of Love

Paul reminds the Philippians that they need to love one another as they go through suffering. Suffering is not unique. All people have times of suffering. Many sufferings are similar in situation. For example: the passing of a loved one, loss of a job, battling a chronic illness, a rebellious child, marital struggles and divorce, terminal diagnosis, mental illness, family feuds, addiction and the list can go on and on.

Many people have been through these seasons of suffering. They should help with consolation of love. They should help those that are in the middle of suffering. Prayer, walking with the suffering, and sharing your experience and wisdom.

Affection and Compassion

When someone is suffering we are not to run away from that person to keep from getting involved. We are to run towards that person to show affection and compassion. Col. 3:12

Colossians 3:12 NASB95

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Before we run to them we need to make sure our heart is right. We need to ask the Lord to give us these characteristics when dealing with a person in suffering.

Fellowship of the Spirit

All believers have the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit will reveal the purpose of the suffering. It is the revelation of the purpose of the suffering that brings hope. James 1:2-5

James 1:2–5 NASB95

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Being of the Same Mind and Love

Paul tells the church at Philippi not to look down on those who are suffering, but instead help them. Rom. 12:16

Romans 12:16 NASB95

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

We should not think we are better than someone because we are not struggling as they are. We should help those that are in a low place situationally.

United in Spirit

Helping one another through the suffering. Not giving up but walking with one another.

Intent on One Purpose

Our purpose is to glorify God. Whatever it takes. But it will take all of us working together!